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Sunday, 26 August 2012

The Secret of Ikaria Island: sex, fish and longevity

From GRReporter

The inhabitants of Ikaria Island
have found a way to break the close link between depression and
cardiovascular diseases. As an antidote, they apply the regular
consumption of fish, which seems to decrease depression, and
subsequently limits the risk of cardiovascular events. Fatty acids
Omega-3 contained in fish are proven to control depression.
All this becomes clear from the analysis of research conducted among
residents of Ikaria. On the Greek island and the island of Sardinia, in
Loma Linda, Mexico, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, and the island of
Okinawa, Japan, ten times more longevity with people aged over 90 years
is recorded compared to the average
rate in the world. This issue was discussed at a conference entitled
"Pursuing longevity: from prevention to therapy", held last weekend on
the island of Ikaria.
According to Cardiology Professors Christodoulos Stefanadis and Christ Pitsavos, laboratory studies have shown that older people from the Island of Ikaria have similar
chemistry with people from other areas. What distinguishes them,
however, is the model of nutrition they have chosen and which is clearly
a key factor in protecting their cardiovascular system.
84% of the inhabitants of Ikaria say they eat more than 150 grams of
fish a week. Frequent consumption of fish is associated with maintenance
of blood vessels in a good condition. In addition to blood vessels,
eating 100 grams of fish per day increases by 121% the preservation of a
good renal function. Scientists have found that people who apply the
Mediterranean diet (fish, fruit, vegetables, legumes, tea) have less
risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
The same diet has a positive effect in adults with diabetes because it improves the blood glucose control and the state of blood vessels, which is very important for diabetics who have a significant hardening of the arteries.
In men, the Mediterranean diet reduces the uric acid levels,
triggering gout. A minor increase in the consumption of Mediterranean foods can reduce up to 57% the likelihood of high levels of uric acid.Sex life
The influence of the Mediterranean diet is beneficial to the sexual
performance as well. The daily consumption of olive oil in adults also
plays a positive role in sexual life, with better rates of satisfaction.
The quality of sex life has been measured by a special survey of men aged 65 to 99 years of Ikaria Island.
60% of the respondents to the special poll point to at least an average satisfaction during intercourse, while 50% indicate a completion of intercourse. Only 20% of respondents reply that they have no sexual activity.Fats with favourable properties
The effect of depression on heart health and blood vessels is
crucial. According to the special geriatric depression scale (0 to 15), a
raising of even one point leads to a 12% greater probability of
occurrence of additional cardiovascular risk factor associated with the
occurrence of the metabolic syndrome. The negative impact of depression
on the health of the heart and blood vessels is caused by its effects on
risk factors such as increased blood pressure, blood sugar and
cholesterol.
Research shows that the Mediterranean diet improves metabolic
characteristics and fish consumption (three to five servings a week)
restricts depression.
The beneficial effects of fish is attributed to the fatty acids Omega-3 which it contains.